Updated ,first published
St Kildaโs Lance Collard is being investigated by the AFL integrity unit for allegedly using a homophobic slur in the VFL match between St Kilda and Frankston on Friday night.
The Saints, AFL and VFL would not disclose the identity of the player involved but confirmed an investigation has started.
A source with knowledge of the incident, who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity, confirmed Collard was the player involved. Nine News and AFL.com.au were among the first to report the story.
Collard was previously suspended for six matches for using homophobic language towards Williamstown players in a VFL match in July 2024. He apologised and also undertook Pride in Sport training at his own expense.
On Saturday night, The Age asked Collardโs manager, Colin Young, whether reporting in The Herald Sun โ that Collard had told friends he used the expression โmaggotโ rather than a homophobic slur โ was accurate. โThatโs what I believe to be true,โ Young said.
The Saints released a statement on Saturday confirming one of their players was being investigated by the AFL integrity unit.
โThe club takes matters of this nature extremely seriously and is working closely with the AFL integrity unit as it conducts its investigation into the matter,โ the Saints said.
โWhile this process is underway, it would be inappropriate for the club to comment further.โ
The investigation is expected to take several days.
A separate incident from the match is also being reviewed by the VFL match review officer after Collard allegedly collected a Frankston player Jackson Voss with a swinging arm after he kicked the ball.
The MRO findings are expected to be announced on Monday.
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Roy Ward is a sports writer, live blogger and breaking news journalist. He’s been writing for The Age since 2010.Connect via X or email.
Jake Niall is a Walkley award-winning sports journalist and chief AFL writer for The Age.Connect via X or email.
Clay Lucas is an investigative reporter at The Age who has covered urban affairs, state and federal politics, industrial relations, health and aged care. Email him at clucas@theage.com.au or claylucas@protonmail.com, or via Signal +61439828128.Connect via X, Facebook or email.
